Note: Sylvia Robertson, (Vice-Chair, MBS Board) is well acquainted with the work of long-term care. She is an Occupational Therapist at Bradley Center in Chilliwack, a site that was declared on outbreak December 4, 2020.

To All Staff of Menno Place:

On behalf of the MBS Board of Directors, we would like to give you a huge “Thank you” and express our tremendous appreciation for your hard work and dedication to Menno Place, particularly in this time of a global pandemic. We couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments in keeping our residents safe for the past 8-9 months, and for the grace with which you have been managing the current Covid-19 outbreak in the Home. You have all been giving your very best, pushing past your own fears, and rising to the occasion of truly being health care heroes.

Please know that our prayers are with you, for your own protection and safety, as much as for that of the residents for whom you care so faithfully and willingly every single day. We empathize with the anxiety many of you are feeling in these uncertain times, and the fear of this virus that sometimes threatens to overwhelm us.

We believe and trust in a loving God who is full of grace and mercy for each and every one of us, and who does not want us to be anxious or fearful.  We pray that these verses from Scripture might be an encouragement to you:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Psalm 34:4

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4

Finally, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!  May the Lord bless and keep you, may you find hope and peace in Him, may you and your loved ones have a safe and healthy holiday season.

With much gratitude,

Sylvia Robertson

Vice-Chair, MBS Board of Directors

Menno Place – Infection Control / COVID-19 Return to Work Checklist

We look forward to having those staff who have been off with COVID recovered and back to work soon.  This is a time to celebrate their recovery and welcome them back to a safe, welcoming environment.

Mike Mutter, the Clinical Nurse Educator with Fraser Health, has provided the checklist (below) to review with returning staff to ensure they are prepared for the “new normal” in the COVID climate. This is also for staff who are currently working to review so that we all have the same, consistent message.

Return to Work Checklist

CLICK HERE FOR PDF – When returning to work, you will be provided with the following information – please ensure that you’ve had the opportunity to ask questions and know who to contact if you have further questions. You will be asked to initial beside each topic to indicate you’ve received the education.

1. What is COVID-19? Overview of COVID. How it is spread, N95 use / AGPs.
2. Back to the Basics: Remember to practice physical distancing, wash hands and good respiratory etiquette (eg. during your breaks, maintain a distance of 2m apart). Wipe down work surfaces and equipment (phone, etc.) before you start work and at the end of your shift.
3. Screening process: Upon entering the building wash your hands, apply a procedure mask and eyewear and proceed to the screening area.
4. Extended use of procedure mask / eyewear: Eyewear and procedure/surgical mask are to be worn in all patient areas or in areas where residents may have the potential to congregate.
5. Process to follow if feeling unwell: If you are not feeling well, you should not come to work. Please use the established illness reporting process (phone staffing).
6. Staff movement within the building: Cohorting of staff is important (including designated break rooms and bathrooms). Ensure you are aware of these practices in your unit.
7. Proper hand hygiene – when to use ABHR (Alcohol based hand rub) and when to use Soap and Water: Use soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled. Use ABHR during donning/doffing PPE and during the 4 moments of hand hygiene.
8. Glo-Germ Hand hygiene: Practice meticulous hand hygiene mechanics using glo-germ to reinforce proper technique and frequently missed areas.
9. The 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene:
   1. Before initial patient / patient environment contact
   2. Before aseptic procedure
   3. After body fluid exposure risk
   4. After patient / patient environment contact
10. Donning PPE (theory and return demonstration): After procedure mask and face protection applied (which will already be on) > wash hands > don gown (ensuring it is tied properly)> wash hands > don gloves ensuring coverage over gown. Have buddy check before entering a resident’s room. Also review completing donning and doffing of ALL PPE.
11. Doffing PPE (theory and return demonstration): Before leaving room: remove gloves> wash hands using ABHR> remove gown > wash hands. dispose of PPE before leaving room. After leaving room wash hands again before moving to another task.
12. Reporting a breech in PPE use: If you have not work your PPE correctly, please report this to your supervisor.

I, ______________, am confident that I havee been provided with adequate information related to COVID-19 infection control practices in order to do my job safely to protect myself, residents and my colleagues. I agree to abide by infection control best practices.